Providence Island, Caribbean island in San Andrés and Providencia archipelago, Colombia.
Providence Island sits in the western Caribbean and covers an area of about 17 square kilometers (6.5 square miles) with mountainous terrain rising up to 360 meters (1,180 feet) above sea level. The coastline features small bays and coral reefs, while the interior is covered with tropical rainforest.
An English Puritan settlement was founded here in 1629 under the Providence Island Company and lasted until Spanish forces captured it in 1641. Control shifted several times between European powers before the territory became part of Colombia in the 19th century.
Residents speak an English-based creole that sets the island apart from mainland Colombia and reflects centuries of Caribbean influence. In the villages, you find small wooden churches and brightly painted houses that show traditional building methods of the region.
Travelers reach the island through El Embrujo Airport with connecting flights from nearby San Andrés or take boat services that operate depending on sea conditions. Lodging options range from small guesthouses to simple hotels, and booking ahead is often advisable.
The waters around the island form part of Old Providence McBean Lagoon National Park within the UNESCO Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, protecting mangrove forests and coral reefs. Snorkelers and divers can observe a wide range of marine life here, including colorful fish and many coral species.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
